Pakistan beat South Africa in 3rd ODI, with first-ever 3-0 whitewash at their home turf
Pakistan defeated South Africa by 36 runs in the third and final ODI at Wanderers Stadium, Sandton, on Sunday, completing a historic 3-0 series whitewash. This remarkable achievement also marks the first time Pakistan has whitewashed South Africa in ODIs and makes them the first team ever to achieve this feat on South African soil.
Opener Saim Ayub was the standout performer for Pakistan, delivering yet another masterclass with the bat. His scintillating knock of 101 off 94 balls, including 13 boundaries and two sixes, laid the foundation for Pakistan’s formidable total of 308/9 in the rain-affected match, reduced to 47 overs per side.
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Ayub, who also scored a century earlier in the series, forged a crucial 114-run partnership for the second wicket with skipper Babar Azam. Babar contributed a steady 52 off 71 balls, providing much-needed stability to the innings.
Despite Ayub’s dismissal in the 35th over at 208/3, which triggered a brief collapse with Kamran Ghulam falling for a golden duck, Pakistan’s middle order stepped up. Mohammad Rizwan (53 off 52 balls) and Salman Ali Agha (48 off 32 balls) played vital knocks to ensure the team posted a competitive target.
For his outstanding performances throughout the series, including two centuries in three matches, Ayub was named Player of the Series. His consistency with both bat and ball was instrumental in Pakistan’s historic success.
Chasing 309, South Africa showed resilience but fell short, bowled out for 271 in 47 overs. Heinrich Klaasen was the lone warrior for the Proteas, smashing a rapid 81 off 43 balls, including six boundaries and five sixes. Debutant Corbin Bosch also contributed a gritty 40, but their efforts were insufficient to avoid the whitewash.
Pakistan’s bowlers were clinical in defending the target. Young left-arm leg spinner Sufiyan Muqeem was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4/48 in a stellar performance. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah provided excellent support, taking two wickets each, while Saim Ayub chipped in with one wicket and an economical 10-over spell, conceding just 34 runs.
South African pacer Kagiso Rabada led their bowling attack with figures of 3/56, while Bjorn Fortuin and Marco Jansen picked up two wickets each. Despite their efforts, Pakistan’s strong batting lineup ensured a defendable target.
This series win represents a historic moment for Pakistan cricket, making them the first team to whitewash South Africa on their home turf in a bilateral ODI series.
Also See: Pakistan vs South Africa (PAK vs SA) Series | 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
Saim Ayub’s emergence as a reliable opener, coupled with the team’s overall consistency, sets a positive tone for their future campaigns. As Pakistan looks ahead to major tournaments, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, this victory will serve as a confidence booster for the entire squad.
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